Posted on 29 July 2009

 

Source: The Star, July 29, 2009

Liberalisation of the iron and steel sector will become effective on Aug 1

 

Industry players are given six weeks to adapt to the new measures to liberalise the iron and steel sector which will become effective on Aug 1.

 

According to International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed, industry players had voiced their concerns about the implementation of these measures.

 

“We will impose a reduction of import duties on Aug 1 on flat steel products from 50% to 25%,” he told reporters after the Miti Annual Dialogue 2009 yesterday.

 

He said industry players were concerned and wanted to postpone the implementation of the certificate of approval, which was enforced by Sirim, to prevent the influx of sub-standard products into the country.

Datuk Mustapa Mohamed ... ‘If it is difficult, we will review the ruling that has been fixed.’

 

“We don’t think there would be any problems. But they (industry players) think there might be problems.

 

“Let it be. Give it a chance. Put this new enforcement in place. Within six weeks we will meet them again. If it is difficult, we will review the ruling that has been fixed,” he said.

 

To prevent the influx of sub-standard products into the country, the Government has agreed to implement mandatory standards for imported and locally produced long and flat products in stages from Aug 1.

 

Mustapa said the issue of foreign workers was also raised at the meeting.

 

“The issue was raised by not less than 13 associations. We will compile all the issues that have been raised and will meet with the Home Ministry to discuss them,” he said.

 

The morning session of the dialogue focused on the industrial sub-sectors of machinery, metals, wood and wood-based products, transport equipment and processed foods. It involved 19 memoranda where 77 issues were discussed. The 2?-day dialogue session had a total of 63 memoranda involving 295 issues raised by 157 associations.

 

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